October wellness program activities

Healthy Workplace Month

Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month is supported by Excellence Canada and includes a plethora of ideas and resources. Have each of your leaders subscribe to the Psychologically safe leader email series to learn strategies to support well-being all year round.

Women’s History Month

This is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women and girls across the country. Consider promoting awareness within your workplace with information, ideas and shareables from the Government of Canada.

National Senior's Day & International Day of Older Persons

October 1

Find information and events from United Nations to help staff recognize and honour seniors in our workplaces and our lives.

Rosh Hashanah

October 2-4

For more information see cultural celebrations.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

October 6-12

This week is an ideal opportunity to educate everyone in the workplace about mental illnesses, increase understanding and address myths or stereotypes. Making this part of your annual wellness strategy normalizes the topic, rather than addressing it only after an employee experiences a mental illness.

• One of the best approaches to busting stereotypes is to have someone who has recovered from mental illness talk about their journey.
• If you cannot hire a professional speaker to do this, consider hosting an event to show a video of real people who have had this experience. These free mental health awareness videos can help you share the experiences of employees who live and work with mental illness.
• Another important activity is helping co-workers feel comfortable and safe when working with someone who may be experiencing a mental illness. In addition to the video session, you could share resources, such as Helping Troubled Co-workers.
• These collections of audio clips help individuals manage anxious or depressive thoughts through self-regulations techniques.

World Mental Health Day

October 10

Find information, events and resources about mental health to share with staff from the World Health Organization or the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Yom Kippur

October 11-12

For more information see cultural celebrations.

Diwali

October 31-November 4

For more information see cultural celebrations.

Putting psychological protection on the agenda

Learn how to facilitate a team discussion to address psychological protection in the workplace. This resource includes a guide and slides to help you get started.

Screen fatigue

Technology has grown so much over the years; it’s become a part of our daily lives. We literally hold technology and all the information it provides, in the palm of our hands. Much of our social interaction has now been facilitated through virtual platforms. It’s great until it’s too much.

Take note of what your average screen time is for the day, then check out the link developed by Liz Fosslien & Mollie West Duffy to get some tips to conquer screen fatigue.

Calming break activities

Calming break activities can help release stress and improve your concentration. Do these activities alone or with co-workers to improve health and feel better.